Fifth Water Hot Springs Diamond Fork
Discover the magical milky blue waters of Fifth Water Hot Springs, nestled along a scenic 2.5-mile hike in Diamond Fork Canyon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch sunrise
Fifth Water Hot Springs Diamond Fork
Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch sunrise
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the magical milky blue waters of Fifth Water Hot Springs, nestled along a scenic 2.5-mile hike in Diamond Fork Canyon.
"Absolutely beautiful spot! The hike in is gorgeous and totally worth it."
🚗 Parking Hassles
The $10 parking lot fills fast. Arrive early or be prepared to park on the street.
👟 Water Shoes Essential
Slippery rocks make water shoes a must for safe and comfortable soaking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Milky Blue Hot Springs
Main soaking pools
Unreal, dream-like milky blue water that invites relaxation and stunning photos.
Cascading Waterfall
Near the main hot springs
A picturesque waterfall adds to the natural beauty, offering a refreshing contrast.
Scenic Canyon Hike
Trail to the springs
A 2.5-mile hike with gorgeous views, fall colors, and opportunities for exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pack Smart for the Soak
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Diamond Fork/Fifth Water Hot Spring
🚗 Parking Hassles
The $10 parking lot fills fast. Arrive early or be prepared to park on the street.
👟 Water Shoes Essential
Slippery rocks make water shoes a must for safe and comfortable soaking.
The gate is still open to Fifth Water!
Does Fifth Water hot springs have hours?
🔦 Headlamp for Dawn Hikes
If hiking before sunrise, a headlamp or flashlight is crucial for navigation.
🐶 Dog Etiquette
Many visitors bring dogs. Be aware if you have concerns or young children.
Diamond Fork Hot Springs - closed road?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Hassles
The $10 parking lot fills fast. Arrive early or be prepared to park on the street.
👟 Water Shoes Essential
Slippery rocks make water shoes a must for safe and comfortable soaking.
🔦 Headlamp for Dawn Hikes
If hiking before sunrise, a headlamp or flashlight is crucial for navigation.
🐶 Dog Etiquette
Many visitors bring dogs. Be aware if you have concerns or young children.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water for the hike and soak, especially on warmer days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, dream-like milky blue waters and the beautiful hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs. The natural setting and cascading waterfall are major draws, offering a picturesque escape. However, parking can be a significant challenge, and the presence of off-leash dogs and a noticeable sulfur smell are points of caution for some.
"Absolutely beautiful spot! The hike in is gorgeous and totally worth it. There’s plenty of space for everyone to soak and relax, and so many little areas to explore along the way. The water is that unreal milky blue color that looks straight out of a dream. It does have a strong sulfur smell, but that’s to be expected with natural hot springs. A lot of people bring their dogs and let them free roam, so just be aware of that if you’re not a fan or have kids with you. If you keep hiking past the main hot pots, you can go even farther up the canyon for extra views and a good leg burn. Easily one of my favorite spots in Utah! 🌿💧"
Heather Nielson
"It’s probably the most beautiful hotsprings I’ve been too. The colors were awesome. We hiked up early before sunrise .
The hike wasn’t bad . There were parts of the trail that are a bit steep and very close to the edge without any cover or rail ro hold on to so better be careful . If you’re hiking up early ,bring a headlight or a flashlight.
We had the hotsprings to ourselves early bit when we were heading down ,the parking was full at around 9 am .
The views and the hotsprings did not dissapoint . Definitely a must visit spot when your around the area."
Carina Basio
"Absolutely amazing hike and the an great hot spring. The hike is great. Its around 4-5 miles round trip. The hike seems to look amazing in every season. We were there on the 2nd week of Oct. The fall colors kinda ended when we were there (just some few trees).
Things to take care of:
$10 parking fee if you park inside the trailhead (you might also find some parking spots on the street). or if you have America Beautiful card, that will work. Also, its extremely hard to gind the parking spots inside the trailhead.
Trail is easy, at least for me. Not much elevation gain.
Might be busy during the peak season (fall or maybe start of thr winter).
There are multiple spots where you can enjoy. There are some small water falls as well.
The temperature of the water is around 50 to 60 degrees ( guess). The top spots is absolutely amazing.
Dont try to drink that water.
Also, if you hike early morning, hike with some extra foods. You wont be able to get out of that hot water. Its soo amazing."
Manish Khanal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The springs are accessed via a 2.5-mile hike from the trailhead in Diamond Fork Canyon. The road to the trailhead can be gated seasonally, and parking is limited and costs $10.
The trail is generally considered easy to moderate, with some steep sections and edges. It's suitable for most fitness levels, including families with children.
From Spanish Fork, head east on UT-77 E, then turn onto Diamond Fork Road. Follow signs for the trailhead. Be aware that the road may be gated.
Camping is available in the Diamond Fork area, but specific sites near the trailhead can be competitive. It's advisable to research 'diamond fork hot springs camping' or 'camping near diamond fork hot springs' for options.
Cell service can be spotty to non-existent along the trail and at the springs, so download offline maps and inform someone of your plans.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As USFS land, Fifth Water Hot Springs do not have official operating hours. However, access may be limited by road closures or daylight for safety.
There is a $10 parking fee at the trailhead. An America the Beautiful Pass may also be accepted.
No, tickets are not required. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis for parking and access to the trail and springs.
Visiting on weekdays or very early in the morning on weekends is recommended to avoid peak crowds.
While there are no official hours, be mindful of daylight for safety. Dogs are allowed but should be leashed or well-behaved.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The water temperature varies, but the main pools are generally comfortable for soaking, with some cooler areas downstream.
Wear comfortable hiking attire for the trail and swimwear for the hot springs. Water shoes are highly recommended due to slippery rocks.
There is a vault toilet at the trailhead. No other facilities are available at the springs themselves.
The waterfall is a beautiful feature to admire, but the water downstream can be quite cold. Soaking is best in the designated hot spring pools.
Yes, dogs are commonly seen at Fifth Water Hot Springs. Visitors should ensure their dogs are well-behaved and under control.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The milky blue pools, the cascading waterfall, and the scenic canyon views offer numerous photo opportunities. Early morning light enhances the colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape and pools. A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable due to the water.
Early morning, especially around sunrise, provides beautiful light and fewer people for unobstructed shots.
There are no specific photography restrictions, but be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment.
The milky blue color is natural due to mineral content. Shooting in good light and adjusting white balance can help capture its vibrancy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs
Many reviewers highlight the beauty of the hike in all seasons, noting that fall can bring lovely colors, though they might be past their peak by mid-October. Bringing a headlamp or flashlight is recommended for early morning or late afternoon hikes to ensure safety and visibility. The trail is not officially maintained with hours, so hikers should be prepared for self-sufficiency and aware of daylight limitations.
Soaking in the Natural Pools
It's important to note that natural hot springs often have a distinct sulfur smell, which is a common characteristic and part of the authentic experience. While the water is inviting, it's advised not to drink it. Many visitors recommend wearing water shoes as the rocks around and in the pools can be slippery and uncomfortable for bare feet.
Planning Your Visit: Parking and Amenities
Regarding amenities, there is a vault toilet at the trailhead, which is the only restroom facility available. There are no changing rooms or other services at the springs themselves, so visitors should come prepared to change discreetly or use their vehicle. The lack of official hours means visitors can technically access the area at any time, but safety and preparedness are paramount, especially outside of daylight hours.
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